Yes, that’s how I felt after running 10 miles this morning.
I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect final long run before next weekend’s half marathon. The weather was perfect and my head was in the right place. My plan going into the run was to take a walking break every 2 miles, like I did during my 8 miles run a few weeks ago. Mile 2 ended up happening alongside the Tunnel to Tower 5K and I got seriously swept up in the energy and emotion. There were firefighters running in full uniform, marching bands, and army men. It was just the motivation I needed to kick off this last long run.
(a marching band for me!?)
By the time mile 2 was over I didn’t want to stop and take the walking break because I still felt pretty strong. I ended up going steady until I turned around at mile 5. Hey, I love having a plan, but I also love realizing that I’m stronger than I give myself credit for. After that I took a walking break every 2 or so miles.
At this point running is all mental. I felt great running until I hit mile 9 and I started noticing minor aches and pains. I’m pretty sure the exact same thing happened during the final mile of my last long run so I wonder if it’s all mental and if that final mile just feels extra torturous even though I’m fine in actuality.
I realized today was my last time to test out fueling… and my first time to test out fueling. I was worried about how it was going to go since I have a sensitive stomach.
I ended up using 4 or so lifesaver gummies around mile 5 and a few jelly beans around mile 7. After the lifesavers I had a serious sugar craving which was bizarre because I never crave sugar like that in real life, and I had a funny taste in my mouth but my body and belly felt fine! I’m probably going to stick to this same method next weekend since it worked.
It’s funny how much things have changed since those brutal hot summer runs. I used to tell people I’m attempting to run a half marathon but now I not only believe I will, but I also know I am very capable of it. Don’t get me wrong, anything can happen race day, but at this exact moment in time, 12 hours after running my last long run, I’m feeling incredible confident in my ability to run this half marathon
I don’t care how fast I run the half marathon, I don’t care about how many walking breaks I take, I don’t care if I never run a 10 minute mile during the whole dang race… I just care about crossing that finish line in one piece and proving to myself that I did something I didn’t think was possible.
Yes Nike, it was my longest run ever!
After the run I was all smiles… and felt the need to remind my boyfriend every 5 minutes that I ran 10 miles today. And now it’s taper time, my friends, before the big race next weekend! Dare I say… I’m actually starting to feel EXCITED?
WORKOUT RECAP:
Last week:
Monday- Uplifting Strength
Tuesday- rest
Wednesday- barre + run 5
Thursday – uplifting strength
Friday – run 5
Saturday- Rest
Sunday- Run 10!!!!
This Week:
(not sure how it’s going to go with tapering and keeping my body safe before the race, but I will play it by ear!)
Monday: barre
Tuesday: Strength
Wednesday: run 4+ barre
Thursday: strength
Friday: run 2 + yoga?
Saturday: REST
Sunday: HALF MARATHON! 13.1!
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